RALEIGH - A group of nearly 1,000 conservative activists vowed Wednesday to "take back" North Carolina in this fall's elections at a rally in front of the Legislative Building.

Sponsored by the anti-tax group Americans for Prosperity, the rally promoted a mix of conservative and libertarian causes, focusing on reducing state spending, protecting private property rights and adding to the state constitution a ban on same-sex marriage.

The keynote speaker, former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas, mostly eschewed politicking to share folksy anecdotes about Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill and Ronald Reagan.

In his most pointed remarks, he argued that the Democratic majority in Congress has hurt the economy and warned that some of the candidates in November's state and federal elections want "more taxes," "more regulation" and "more programs."

Dole briefly mentioned the re-election campaign of his wife, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, while reminiscing about his own career in the Senate.

"I've never been before the Ethics Committee, and, I can guarantee you, Elizabeth's never been before the Ethics Committee," he said to loud cheers. Later, he added, "I know this is a nonpartisan event, but I do hope you'll take a good look at Elizabeth."

Other Republican candidates for state office were not as shy in their turns at the podium.

Robert Pittenger, a former state senator who is running for lieutenant governor, said the Democratic majority in the state Senate has essentially overruled the GOP minority, especially during recent budget negotiations.

"There's less freedom of speech in the North Carolina Senate than there is the Russian Duma," he said, referring to that country's lower house of parliament.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory vowed to change the culture of Raleigh -- even bringing his own theme song.

The Charlotte mayor, a classic rock fan, sat behind a drum set on stage and briefly played the beat of the Queen anthem "We Will Rock You" while the head of Americans for Prosperity sang.

In a 10-minute speech, McCrory pledged to address the problem of "local, national and international gangs," direct transportation spending to congested roads, and reduce the state's high school dropout rate.

Most of all, he promised to "change the culture" of Raleigh, saying it's been ruled by "four or five power elites."

"You've got to have a governor that you see -- not just at election time, but after the election is over," he said.